Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s 2025 Vios Challenge Round 2 Race 1 was held during the return of AUTOBACS SUPER GT series to Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia from 26-28 June 2025. Unlike the usual 10-lap sprint races, Round 2 featured 36 drivers from three racing classes, all racing together on the full 5.543 km Petronas SIC International Circuit, making it twice as tough for them. This race also included competitors from Thailand, Singapore, and India.
The Vios Challenge became even more special thanks to UMW Toyota Motor and Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia sponsoring the Malaysian round of the 2025 AUTOBACS SUPER GT series.
In the Super Sporting Class for professionals, Eddie Lew from Laser Motor Racing took an early lead but soon faced competition. Nabil Azlan from Wheelcorp passed him and took the lead by the third lap, while Freddie Ang from Telagamas Toyota moved into second place, pushing Lew down to third by halfway through the race.
In the end, it was Ang who finished first, followed by Nabil, with William Ho from Toyotsu Racing coming in third, 18 seconds later.
“The initial plan was to attack in the second half of the race but as things unfolded in the race, it went from this to getting to the front and trying to pull away. In a one-hour race it is extremely challenging and it is critical to manage both the car and tyres,” said Ang who finished the 20 lap race a mere 0.7 seconds ahead of Nabil.
“He (Nabil) was on my rear bumper the entire time and every time I tried to pull away he was right there with me. I couldn’t do anything more and so I settled for being defensive and trying to just stay ahead.
“To be honest it was very taxing on the body, especially with the heat. We are all so used to the sprint race and therefore the second 30-minute stint this weekend really had you feeling body fatigue…it was extremely hot.”
The Sporting Class for amateurs was led by Jwan Hii from Hong Huat x Armada KK Racing, who finished 8 seconds ahead of Kulim Top Wheels’ Datuk Dr Ken Foo. Thai driver Varunchit Wattanathanakun from RUK Team Nexzter PMC 52 came in third.
Hii had a strong race from the beginning, starting from pole position and posting the fastest lap time of 2 minutes and 52.409 seconds.
In the Rookie Class, there was excitement in the final stages as Aydan Khaliq won the race ahead of Rahul Dev, with Harkiesh Geeva finishing in third. Harkiesh and Aydan were swapping leads, and it seemed Harkiesh would surely win until he faced a mechanical issue that cost him first place.
“To be honest, I was very fortunate to finish where I did after Harkiesh lost his third gear despite leading the race for quite a fair bit. But that is part and parcel of racing,” said Aydan.
“Racing on the full track was also a bit more tiring…Mentally I was fit enough but after competing in the GR86 Cup Malaysia race I practically had to rush to the starting grid for the Vios Challenge.
“Nevertheless, competing on a SUPER GT race week is excellent exposure not only for me as a rookie but the entire Vios Challenge series as it projects local talent and racing internationally.
Catch the 2025 Vios Challenge Round 2 action or visit TGR Malaysia’s social media platforms at:
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For more information on race schedules, driver details and updates, visit: www.toyota.com.my/en/tgrmalaysia.
ROUND 2, RACE 1 RESULTS
SUPER SPORTING CLASS
1. Freddie Ang Telagamas Toyota
2. Nabil Azlan Wheelcorp
3. William Ho Toyotsu Toyota
SPORTING CLASS
1. Jwan Hii Hong Huat x Armada KK Racing
2. Dato Dr Ken Foo Kulim Top Wheels
3. Varunchit Wattanathanakun RUK Team Nexzter PMC 52.
ROOKIE CLASS
1. Aydan Khaliq
2. Rahul Dev
3. Harkiesh Geeva